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Monday, January 03, 2005

Kyle Korver: All Heart



Finally - AI has a teammate who plays with as much heart as he does. I just watched the Sixers-Nuggets game (taped from Friday night) and the Backstreet Boy Wonder was everywhere. He chased down loose balls, sprinted back to make the block, just did all the grunt work that doesn't necessarily translate into stats but makes all the difference to the team and their fans. The Sixers ultimately lost the game to a more than elated Michael Cooper, but what stuck out most in my mind - aside from Coop's unprofessional high-5ing and whooping before the game was officially over - was Kyle Korver and how he left it all on the floor.

As impressed as I was during the game, I'm even more impressed now upon learning that Kyle's grandfather had just passed away.

In an interview today, Kyle said, "He's somebody I was pretty close to. It's tough. [Friday] was an emotional game. I obviously had him in my heart the whole time."

He played in today's game vs. the Clippers then flew out for the funeral (to be held tomorrow), but he said he'd be back for Wednesday's game against the Jazz. I think for all the shit that athletes, and NBA players in particular, have been getting recently, it's just as important to acknowledge examples of their professionalism and dedication to their team and to the game. This game may not go down like Brett Favre's 4 touchdowns against Oakland, but I appreciate the effort and the heart just the same.

Link to article on Kyle and his grandfather's passing:
http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/10553035.htm?1c

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful comment you made. Kyle is not only developing as a wonderful player, but also seems to be a genuine person. I believe that he will always be someone who is true to himself and his convictions-and that is commendable in the NBA and in everyday life.

Courtside said...

I just read in ESPN the Magazine that AI has taken him under his wing. Could there be a bigger compliment for Kyle?

Anonymous said...

I know Kyle personaly and think he's a great person!

Anonymous said...

Kyle's hot. I think he's as good as he is cute!!!

Anonymous said...

hey i recently went on a cruise to the carribean aboard Royal Carribeans Adventure of the Seas and Kyle was on that ship. I spoke to him a few times and he was extremly nice. He even went on the vacation with his parents and his three younger brothers! He seems like a really great guy! And he is super hott!!

Anonymous said...

I'm desperate to meet hiM!
I'm HIS BIGGEST FAN!

I did write like a whole page in here but somehow it got deleted...well I just want to say I think hes perfect for the team and more power to him.

<3 philly grl,
Colleen Kelly

Anonymous said...

If there was anything I could do to meet him in person I would! I've been to his games and never got the chance to get a autograph.
The person who was on the cruise is sooooo lucky. I would pay so much money just to have him walk past me...lol

TwEnTy_SiXs_GrL<3

<3 philly grl,
Colleen Kelly

Anonymous said...

I'm going to get his jersey for christmas!!

<3 (once again) philly grl,
Colleen Kelly

Anonymous said...

I played basketball for the longest time and I just think hes aMaZiNg!

<3philly grl,
Colleen Kelly

Anonymous said...

I wish I could play him one on one!

<3philly grl,
Colleen Kelly

Anonymous said...

hes sooooo sexy!! my husband nobody elses back away bitches

Anonymous said...

Sorry to tell you, he has a girlfriend. She is very nice, too. (No, I am not her).

Anonymous said...

I know Kyle as a WONDERFUL role model and a loving ,caring person ,Also as a wonderful Basketball player. He really is a TRUE Guy and that's why i LOVE HIM!!!!!!!!!!! LUV U BABY ,
MaryAnne #26

Anonymous said...

kyle korver is such a great player he has his rought times and his bad times but who doesn't....he is so genuine and so nice....he is just a all around great person...and i wish i could meet him...he seems like a really cool guy,..

Anonymous said...

Kyle you have been outstanding in the playoff series!! You are a wonderful player. I am disapointed that the press fails to give you recognition for your play coming off the bench. Your play is SMOKING HOT!!

Anonymous said...

kyLe is the BEST basketball player ever ! i <3 him so much ! he's my soon to be husband=) when i turn 18 me & kyLe are gettin married.. not stalker-ish or anything but its true. back in phiLLy(best city ever) he would talk to my grandmom at the dr's && they would tlak about me!.. KYLE ELLi0t k0RVER, the man of my DREAMS would talk about me ! i think thats speciaL=) well yes i just wanted to say tht i proudLy support wht ever he does because i kno tht kyLe d0es thiNgS f0r a g00d reAs0N<3=)
love ya<3
-mRs. k0RVeR #12

Anonymous said...

I met Kyle a couple months ago at a friends house for girls night while the guys played cards downstairs!!!! I know he's a Christian and a very good person. He was so polite and seemed very genuine. Someone I can only hope to run into again someday!

Anonymous said...

3 pts a game..ya hes good,,haha